OU Defensive Coordinator Options? (Arkansas/Ole Miss related)

The Oklahoman ran a hot board. Obviously, their number one option is Wes Goodwin from Clemson for obvious reasons. It’s BV’s system so Wes will already be familiar with the plays and terminology.

Two interesting names:

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Travis Williams, Arkansas defensive coordinator

Travis Williams has led the Razorbacks' defense for two seasons. He transformed the Hogs' defense in 2023, when they allowed 357.2 yards per game, the program's lowest average per game since 2014. Williams would bring significant SEC experience, having played and coached at Auburn as well. He helped engineer an upset of Tennessee this season in which the Vols were limited to a season-low 14 points.

Bryan Brown, Mississippi co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs

Bryan Brown is an intriguing option. At 41, Brown has worked as defensive coordinator at Appalachian State, Louisville and Cincinnati. He also brings SEC experience being a Mississippi alum and helping lead its defense alongside Pete Golding in 2024.

Brown held Oklahoma to 20 points in 2023 when he was at Cincinnati. Would he leave his alma mater? He made $750,000 last season, OU would surely increase that significantly.

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Personally I think BV hires from within. I don’t see him hiring a DC that will change the system or plays. But it will be interesting if this starts a domino affect if he does poach Arkansas’s DC or Ole Miss’s Co-DC.